Parvo virus striking area dogs

Some residents of Roof Garden Trailer Court in Somerset are fearing for the lives of their dogs.

Several residents report their dogs to be showing symptoms of the canine virus, parvo.

Desiree Fleegle said she took her 9-month-old German Shepherd, named Charlie, to the veterinarian Friday after the dog showed symptoms of the virus.

“(The dog) had bloody vomit and diarrhea,” she said. “At first we thought it might have been something he ate.”

After taking Charlie to the Animal Medical Center of Somerset, Fleegle said veterinarians confirmed Charlie had the virus.

“I think that everybody should watch their dogs a little more,” she said. “Don’t let sick dogs run around.”

Dr. Vincent Svonavec is a veterinarian at the center. He said parvo is an intestinal virus that is highly contagious and typically spreads through vomit and fecal matter.

“(Dogs) might not get sick immediately. It might take several days to become ill,” Svonavec said.

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He said people and other pets, such as cats, cannot get the virus. Although other canines, including foxes and coyotes, can.

“Full breed and cross breed dogs are at risk,” he said. “The very young and old have a higher mortality rate.”

Resident Tanya Gibbs said she has heard of a possible six dogs that have shown symptoms. She said some of those dogs are being treated.

Gibbs said she knows of at least one dog that has died from the virus.

“I am terrified to have my dog outside,” Gibbs said as she petted her 5-month-old German Rottweiler named Dozer. “I don’t know where the disease is or what dogs are infected. If something were to happen to (Dozer), it would kill me.”

Gibbs said she is taking Dozer to the veterinarian today to have tests done for the virus.

Jim Jackman of J. W. Enterprises owns the trailer court. He said residents should have their pets checked and the pets’ shots updated.

“We will call the humane society to see if they can give us a direction to go,” he said. “Maybe we can get something done park wide.”

Svonavec said the virus could be spread in areas where dogs walk and defecate. He said Clorox is a good way to kill the virus.

“There is no antidote. There is supportive treatment, replacing fluid and electrolytes intravenously,” he said. “It does take aggressive therapy.”

Svonavec estimated treatment could range between $400 and $1,500. He said that number depends on the size, severity of illness and length of stay.

Fleegle said cost estimates for Charlie’s treatment were between $600 and $1,000.

“The vet said I could bring her home and let her die, or let her there for treatment,” she said. “Before she comes home, we have to bleach everything and take the feces out of the yard. A cure is not guaranteed.”

“If you suspect your dog has it, there are tests that can be done to look for the virus,” Svonavec said. “We can pick it up with a high degree of accuracy.”